12 Ways to Use Nail Polish Other Than on Your Nails

Our eyes have been opened.

If you're like many women, you own at least a couple nail polish colors that you like, but rarely wear. Instead of letting those lacquers sit in your dresser untouched for months at a time, try one of these nifty DIYs.

1. Easily thread a needle.

Threading through the tiny eye of a needle can be tough, but applying a little nail polish to the tip of the thread makes it stiffer, and therefore simpler to push through.

Kathleen Kamphausen

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2. Prevent jewelry from turning your hands green.

We've all bought some jewelry that was, ahem, less than high-quality — and the little green ring on your skin is the telltale sign. Hide your inexpensive secret by applying a little clear polish on the inside of your rings and bracelets, creating a barrier between the metal and your skin.

3. Keep your jewelry from tarnishing.

Applying a touch of glossy clear polish on the metal portions of cheap or costume jewelry can keep it from losing its metallic plating and sparkle.

Kathleen Kamphausen

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4. Sealing an envelope.

5. Keep a nail from breaking further.

When you get a small tear in your nail, don't reach for the clippers right away. Instead, try this trick to repair it: snip off the corner of an unused tea bag, place it over the tear, then dab a little clear nail polish overtop to seal it. Apply your favorite nail polish color on top to hide the evidence.

The Budget Fashionista

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6. Stop your shoelaces from fraying.

Going running is a great way to stay healthy, but your sneakers can look rough after a few months. Keep your shoelaces from getting frayed by dipping them into clear (or colorful, if you want to match your workout clothes) nail polish.

7. Stop a run in your tights from getting bigger.

This is probably the most popular and well-known alternate use for nail polish, but that's because it works so well. Simply apply a little swipe of clear nail polish at the top and bottom of the run, then let it dry.

Kathleen Kamphausen

8. Prevent labels from smudging.

If you have labels on your food containers, potted plants, or outdoor items like mailboxes, you can prevent them from smudging by applying a coat of clear polish over them.

9. Reset stones into jewelry.

You think you got a great deal on a ring or bracelet, then bam — a stone (or three) pops out. Instead of tossing the piece, simply reset the loose stone by dabbing it with a spot of clear nail polish, then inserting it with tweezers. No messy glue required!

10. Tighten a loose screw.

Sure, there are lots of bargain furniture deals that look great in your home, but if you find that some of the screws keep coming undone, the stability of these pieces can be put at risk. Secure a loose screw by brushing a little clear polish over the top, then tightening it again.